| Title: |
Language Access in the Nutrition Assistance Programs of American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico. Final Report |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Francesca Venezia; Valentina Loaiza; Maria Boyle; Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) (USDA), Office of Policy Support (OPS); Mathematica |
| Source: |
US Department of Agriculture. 2024. |
| Availability: |
US Department of Agriculture. 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250. Web site: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usdahome |
| Peer Reviewed: |
N |
| Page Count: |
70 |
| Publication Date: |
2024 |
| Contract Number: |
47QRAA18D00BQ |
| Document Type: |
Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires |
| Descriptors: |
Nutrition; Welfare Services; Federal Programs; Access to Information; Limited English Speaking; Hunger; Second Languages; Native Language; Bilingualism; Translation; Public Agencies; English (Second Language); Public Policy; Civil Rights; Barriers; Staff Development; Federal Regulation; Telecommunications; Financial Support; Spanish; Indonesian Languages; Malayo Polynesian Languages; Mandarin Chinese; Eligibility |
| Geographic Terms: |
Puerto Rico; Northern Mariana Islands; American Samoa |
| Laws, Policies and Program Identifiers: |
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) |
| Abstract: |
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) Language Study is providing the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) with a comprehensive understanding of the language landscapes that SNAP and NAP agencies operate in as well as the policy and operations landscapes for limited English proficiency (LEP) language access. This report provides findings on language access policies, plans, and procedures at NAP agencies in American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), and Puerto Rico. The study team interviewed staff working in and with these NAP agencies, collected documents related to language access and civil rights, and examined census data to better understand the context for language access in NAP. The study's main findings include the following: (1) The three Territories have different language contexts that affect how and when the NAP agencies deliver language assistance services; (2) Bilingual staff are the main providers of language assistance services in the Territories; (3) Territories varied on whether their NAP agencies provided translated documents and materials online; (4) NAP agencies in the Territories lacked written plans, policies, and procedures for language access; (5) None of the NAP agencies had received civil rights complaints regarding language access for LEP clients in the 12 months prior to data collection; (6) None of the NAP agencies had formal training on language access policies, procedures, or regulations; and (7) Overall, the NAP agencies believed they had a good understanding of the Federal regulations. Based on these findings, the study team recommends that NAP agencies in the Territories formalize their language access policies and practices and provide related training on the Federal regulations and policies. Adopting these recommendations could ensure consistent and meaningful access to NAP through qualified and competent language assistance services for LEP clients. To support the use of qualified interpreters, FNS might consider facilitating access to telephonic interpreter services. FNS might also consider providing additional resources requested by some NAP agencies, including more detailed information on implementing language access regulations and guidance, more funding, and more translated materials. |
| Abstractor: |
ERIC |
| Entry Date: |
2025 |
| Accession Number: |
ED672998 |
| Database: |
ERIC |